“ ‘Pinkie’ Kerr is under the impression that he announced to Miss Delaney his intention of so doing,” said Anthony, gravely.
“Good God, sir—you astound me—dear, dear—dear, dear!”
It was obvious that Sir Matthew was extremely perturbed.
“He certainly inquired after you,” proceeded Anthony, “and also after the late Major Desmond Carruthers.”
“Well—I’m damned—I suppose there’s no possible doubt about this rigmarole, Mr. Bathurst? You’re sure in your own mind that ‘Pinkie’ Kerr isn’t giving way to a little romancing?”
“Her evidence is entirely uncorroborated—obviously—her mistress is dead—Lal Singh has disappeared. At the same time——” He paused.
“Well?” demanded Sir Matthew vehemently. “What?”
“It would be a remarkable story for her to invent,” said Mr. Bathurst with a shrug of the shoulders. “Don’t you think so?”
“Let me come to the point, then. What do you make of it?”
“That we are in very deep waters, Sir Matthew! Sheila Delaney has been the victim of one of the most cunning and cold-blooded crimes of the century and it’s going to take me all my time to bring her assassin to justice. There’s a big difference between suspecting a man and proving his guilt. There’s a big difference, also, between knowing a man’s guilt and proving it.”